Various organizations marched to the Department of Justice in Manila on June 22 to demand the release of Dr. Anna Marie Rilloraza and Marc Mendiola. The groups represented doctors, nurses, health workers, health science students, indigenous peoples, and human rights defenders.

The state currently holds Ilocos Sur community doctor and environmental defender Dr. Rilloraza, and Tarlac City health worker Mendiola. The regime charged them with criminal offenses: illegal possession of explosives and firearms, murder, attempted homicide, and violations of International Humanitarian Law.

The two are among eight individuals arrested on March 11, 2026 in Tarlac City. The eight, all organizers and defenders of people’s rights in the Cordillera, are called the Cordillera 8.

Rallyists said that besides their illegal detention, the two are being denied adequate medical services.

“Marc has a medical condition that requires a pacemaker and needs to be seen by a doctor,” Robert Mendoza of the Alliance of Health Workers said.

Kim Falyao of BAI Indigenous Women’s Network said medical services are extremely scarce for indigenous communities in the Cordillera, yet the government prosecutes those serving remote communities.

Protesters called for the immediate release of the two and their companions. They also urged health workers and professionals to join the “Free Doc Ana and Free Marc!” campaign.